Cathy's "Great Places to Eat" : Mancini's Cafe & Bakery

Mancini's Cafe is located on Del Ray Avenue in Alexandria, Va. Two words: the brunches. Let me repeat - the brunches!! Owner/chef Barbara Mancini develops new menus for each weekend, and since I've been going to her restaurant, about 3 years now, I have to say there are 3 or 4 unique and tasty combinations of eggs, fruit, and french toast available every week - yum! My favorite (unfortunately for my waistline) is the red, white & blue french toast - usually on the menu around the fourth of July - it's french toast with strawberries, blueberries... and whipped cream.

Mancinis's is on the corner of Del Ray Avenue and East Monroe [Directions], very close to Potomac Yards. For me, this makes Mancini's not only a great stop for brunch Saturday mornings - after enjoying the greens and yellows, flowers and plants that make eating at the restaurant an whimsical experience - a great access point to Potomac Yards Shopping Center, so I can visit Target, Barnes & Noble and even go see a movie.

And, even on days when I don't want to go out I can get some of the homemade lasagne, baked ziti, chicken pot pie, chicken parmesan, and so much more... one of her half-pans can gives me a bunch of meals I freeze for later. Love that catering menu!! I haven't yet stopped by at lunch or dinner time... but I hear the menu choices are also outstanding.

Let me know what you think!